At midnight on January 23, 2012, Chinese people around the world will welcome the new year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon with the traditional Chinese New Year greeting of Gong Xi Fa Ca! which means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin.

The first day of the Chinese New Year is the most important of Chinese holidays, celebrated by billions in China, and by millions of ethnic Chinese around the world. It’s a celebration that lasts for 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival. This year, according to the Chinese zodiac, is the year of the Dragon.

Let’s unleash them so they may fly by our sides and ensure a fabulous 2012! Seat belt on … I’m ready and waiting.

The Incidental Tourist is a Personal Travel Blog of a conscious traveller with a deep love for Africa, its people and the environment.

Here I bring you narratives, stories, video and photographs from my travels around the globe, including accounts of gorilla trekking in Uganda, tree planting in Zambia and turtle rescue in Kenya, accommodation and restaurant reviews, as well as details of the conservation efforts that I support.

A self proclaimed earth advocate and beauty seeker, I invite you to join me and share in my love of sustainable travel – and the rich offerings of our beautiful world.